Chapter 82

Victoria's 'Southern Cross'. Tune--The 'Standard Bearer'

I.

WHEN Ballaarat unfurled the 'Southern Cross,' Of joy a shout ascended to the heavens; The bearer was Toronto's Captain Ross; And frightened into fits red-taped ravens.

Chorus. For brave Lalor-- Was found 'all there,' With dauntless dare: His men inspiring: To wolf or bear, Defiance bidding, He made them swear-- Be faithful to the Standard, for victory or death. (Bis.)

II.

Blood-hounds were soon let loose, with grog imbued, And murder stained that Sunday! Sunday morning; The Southern Cross in digger's gore imbrued, Was torn away, and left the diggers mourning!

Chorus.

Victoria men, to scare, stifle, or tame, Ye quarter-deck monsters are too impotent; The Southern Cross will float again the same, UNITED Britons, ye are OMNIPOTENT.

Chorus.

Thus I had spanned the strings of my harp, but the strain broke them asunder in the gaol.